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Reviews

I have been involved with North for many years, currently have a student enrolled and one on the way. No, it's not a perfect school. North has hit a few rough patches, especially over the last few years, and the last principal abandoning ship after promising otherwise, wasn't very helpful. However, the school has an even better principal now; I believe Dr. Sheffield has the students' best interests in mind instead of her own advancement. My son's counselor is awesome; she seems to get to know her students and finds the right fit for them, not only with their classes but with teachers as well. I have found the experience here that the teachers maintain good contact when parents show an interest & make themselves available. There is a good curriculum available, too, including many AP, IB & ROP classes. As far as students go, there are good and bad ones everywhere. I like the diversity on campus; it feels like a true Southern California atmosphere and not the "bubble" that's typical of this area. When I've been at the school, the majority of the students have been polite and respectful. Once again, the school is far from perfect, but I'm happy with my choice to send my children here.

- submitted by a
parent

August 11, 2014

This school is not meant for someone who wants to get a true education. If you would like your child to be safe and in good hands, you should think of sending them to other schools. Children here carry weapons and some are even gang related. I am writing this because i want you to fix the mistake that i made. Coming to this school was probably the biggest mistake i've ever made.

- submitted by a
student

August 05, 2013

I am a student barely about to begin my 2nd year at North, and I liked my first year overall. During my first day there the teachers and staff were very nice. My only issue was that it seemed like the teachers never gave out enough homework and we weren't being challenged enough. Sure the assignments were easy, but as a freshman, I was too lazy to do the homework assignments. One of my teachers failed to make it apparent to the students WHEN to turn in our big projects/essays, and that's one of the reasons I didn't get credits in one of my classes. Now I know that high school should be taken seriously. One thing I like about the staff is that, even though they have a policy for no electronics, I got my iPod stolen and I knew who had it. I told the cop that they have in the discipline office, and he helped me get it back, and told me, "If this happens again I can't help you, we do have a rule here," and I understood. At North I only witnessed 2 fights, and there are not as many bullies as everyone assumes. I had an issue with one girl who got physical, but I ignored her and told her we weren't friends anymore. Other than that I had the best first year, and I made lots of friends.

- submitted by a
community member

September 24, 2009

1. Great teachers who really want to help the students. 2. Horrible vice principal who thinks if you make one mistake you re a criminal (threatened me to take out my earphones or he d take them and keep them and not give them back) 3. An office that doesn t know the rules (i had my earphones in because they said it was alright) 4. Horrible students with really bad attitudes that don t like to meet new people. Which was bad considering i was a new student who had no friends. For 30 minutes in the morning and for another 30 minutes at lunch i just sat against a wall near my next class crying wondering why i had to go there, wishing i had music or friends to comfort me. It was the worst experience of my life and im glad i dont go there anymore

- submitted by a
student

August 16, 2009

This review submitted without content.

- submitted by a
student

August 01, 2009

As a former student who went through the IB program, I'm not surprised that less than 10% end up with a diploma -- it's a tough program. If you're willing to work hard, you'll learn a lot and be prepared for college and beyond. The IB diploma grads I've known have gone on to various top colleges (Yale, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, etc) and have thrived. I'm certainly grateful for the IB program and North in general as it helped make my undergrad and grad years a lot easier as I was better prepared to handle the challenges.

- submitted by a
student

April 02, 2009

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- submitted by a
student

January 22, 2009

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- submitted by a
student

January 22, 2009

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- submitted by a
parent

December 09, 2008

It's a shame that ex-IB Students bath mouth the program. Could it be that they did not receive an IB dipoloma and are sore about it? in my opinion that's what it is. John Wesley North is an excellent school, the principal and staff go out of their way to help the students/parents in every need they have. As a parent of 2 wonderful and successful young men i highly recommend John Wesley North High School to anyone. It's unfortunate that the school is judged by it's location not for the curriculum it offers its students.

- submitted by a
parent

May 01, 2008

This review submitted without content.

- submitted by a
teacher

February 17, 2008

I wouldn't go to this school unless there was an IB program. And I even know that the IB program is a sham. Less than 10% actually receive the diploma. Far more go for the certificate which doesn't really count, in my opinion. They do offer rigorous classes but only if you're in IB. The football team and the track team is one of the best in the state. There are many clubs on campuses but the majority of them are inactive. The Mock Trial and Academic Decathlon are actually very good extracurriculear activities that look good on college applications. There is a huge lack of funding at this school. The principal is very very good. Very little parent involvement unless your kid is in IB.

- submitted by a
student

October 13, 2007

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- submitted by a
former student

no ratingOctober 05, 2007

in my opinon john w. north high school is one of the best school's in the riverside county.Their learning skills are probably better than any other school I have seen.

- submitted by a
community member

October 01, 2007

There are obviously not enough funds to for proper landscaping and building updates, the curb appeal can use some attention!

- submitted by a
parent

August 23, 2007

My teaching assignment at North lasted more than 10 years and less than 16. I found that the staff were very dedicated, professional, tolerant and overall ready to take youngsters into the new century and prepare them for life. There were programs or just about every taste and ability. Classes ranged from rigorous to those for pupils who needed additional help to bring them up to grade level. In addition to this the students themselves worked well socially and related remarkably well interracially. No, North is not perfect but all that the school offers is there for students and parents to benefit. I always said that parental involvement was crucial to student success. I am now retired but I have very positive memories of my time in the classroom. It is true that as the years pass, students bring more challenges to instructors and administrators. Let's recognize these dedicated professionals. Yea, North!

- submitted by a
teacher

June 10, 2007

I love north! it's been one of the greatest school's I've ever gone to. The experiences I've had there I will never forget. I won't forget the staff or students, they we're great. I have one year left at North, I feel it's going to be one of the best, and yet, I will be sad because it is my last. Class of '08!

- submitted by a
student

May 29, 2007

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- submitted by a
former student

July 31, 2006

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- submitted by a
former student

May 04, 2006

Excellent school for my two children. Great AP classes and academics. Excellent sports. I was very pleased in the past.

- submitted by a
parent

August 30, 2005

The John W. North High School as a whole has become disfunctional. Teachers lose grades and mismark students regularly. Discipline is not consistant and is considerably biased. What is good for one student is not good for another. Coaches regularly violate CIF rules and the administration is aware of the infractions. Principal is aware of Booster club financial inacuracies. Again, inconsistant with discipline and any actions taken. Overall teaching staff is fare to above average. Parents must keep a real close eye on teachers recording students grades. Improper or inaccurate grade reporting happened several times to both of my kids. We were able to prove the inaccuarcies and overturn the poor grades given to my kids. I B is a scam less than 10% achieve I B certs. A/P & honors are good programs at North / same as special ed program. Must keep finger on the pulse.

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingJune 14, 2005

My two boys both graduated from North High. I was particularly impressed with the breadth of curriculum and activites as well as the quality of instruction. The IB program gave them a strong academic base, yet the music and sports programs all operated at very high levels. I was impressed with the conscientious attitude of the teachers and always found the parent conferences to be very instructive and beneficial both to ourselves and to our boys.

- submitted by a
parent

June 06, 2005

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- submitted by a
parent

October 22, 2004

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- submitted by a
student

October 06, 2003

Although the IB program seems to be popular among the parents but the truth of the matter is that more work in less time does not equal rigor. This school told an IB student 'We can't afford to get you a tutor; your parents have to pay for it.' Students appear to find success if they don't create too much noise or ask too many questions. Too bad.

- submitted by a
parent

September 09, 2003

This review submitted without content.

- submitted by a
parent

September 09, 2003

The IB program and the music program are definitely worth the other issues of the school. Both of my 'North' children (1998 and 2000) have successfully enter college and/or graduated to higher degrees.

- submitted by a
parent

August 22, 2003

North has an excellent IB program. It is challenging for the students who may take 1 or more IB classes or study for the IB diploma. There are many extracurricular activities available to the students. The band is recognized internationally and is the pride of Riverside.

- submitted by a
parent

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